EDMONTON, Canada: World Sikh Organization (WSO) and The Sikh Federation of Edmonton held a banquet at the prestigious Westin Hotel on 18th February 1989, to focus on the Sikhs in the Canadian mosaic.
It was attended by more than two hundred people including a member of parliament, provincial cabinet minister, Chairman of Alberta Multicultural Commission, a number of MLAs leaders of multicultural groups and other prominent people, according to Jasbir Singh, a spokesman of the WSO.
Hon. Rick Orman, Minister of Labour in the Province of Alberta and a friend of the Sikh community, pointed out that during the past two and a half years, six members of Alberta’s Sikh community have been appointed to various positions of profile, influence and authority. Prior to this, no Sikh had held such appointments in Alberta. He also promised to continue to safeguard the interests of the Sikh community in the province. The gathering was also addressed by Ram Raghbir Singh Chahal. President, WSO (Canada), by Miss Satinder Gill a young Sikh student in the University of Alberta, by Henry Woo, a Canadian born Chinese and an Ex-MLA of Alberta and by Prof. An Naim a visiting professor from. Sudan and presently on the faculty of the University of Saskatoon.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Gian Singh Sandhu, International President, WSO, He emphasized that the biggest challenge before the Sikhs was to acquire the ability to sell their view point to the world. “The Sikhs should not be content with a restored image as good laborers, lumber pilers or transport operators, they must continue to work hard until they achieve real and total equality with other Canadians,” he added.
Kulmit Sangha was the main organizer of the function.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 24, 1989
